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Cat survives for five days underground after storm

Scottish SPCA officers used a camera to locate Cleo, before she was freed by the fire service

A cat is recovering at home after being trapped underground for five days during Storm Eowyn.

Cleo, a 15-year-old Bengal, was found in the foundations of a block of flats in Dundee after concerned residents heard her cries.

Scottish SPCA officers used a camera to locate Cleo, before the exhausted animal was freed by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

Cleo's owner Arlene Connor said she was "delighted" to have her safely home.

SSPCA A cat sits in a rubble-strewn basement in a low-quality video grabSSPCA
Cleo, seen on the left above the yellow can, was trapped for five days in the basement

Animal rescue officer Stephanie Smillie said: "Cleo had been there for over five days with no access to food or water, so we knew we had to do everything in our power to get her out safely.

"After several attempts to lure Cleo out with food, planks of wood and a rope, we quickly realised she didn't have enough energy to climb out on her own."

Fire crews tore up floorboards and discovered a small trap door leading into the foundations.

Ms Smillie said: "With their help, we were finally able to reach Cleo and free her.

"She was exhausted, but after lots of cuddles, a good meal, and a big drink of water, she was doing much better."

SSPCA A grey cat with green eyes is held by a female animal charity welfare officer inside a car SSPCA
Animal rescue officer Stephanie Smillie said Cleo was exhausted after her rescue

The details on Cleo's microchip were out-of-date, but the charity tracked down Cleo's owner Ms Connor, who lives a few streets away, on social media.

She said she had "feared the worst" after Cleo went missing in January.

"We had posted missing appeals for Cleo on social media and were overjoyed to receive the phone call that she had been found," she said.

"When she first came home, she was always by my side and needed extra reassurance but she's now getting better and is eating and drinking well."